How Python Leading The Development While Java Struggling To Secure Its Legacy

By Anas Asif Moin | July 30, 2018 | 768 Views

Python’s official website has Python’s definition that is written around nearly 25 years ago.

“Python is a programming language that lets you work more quickly and integrate your systems more effectively. You can learn to use Python and see almost immediate gains in productivity and lower maintenance costs”.

While early developers latch on Python quickly, but the programming tool is a severe pain to the experienced programmer (as senior developers ranting about flaws using Python). Still, the programming language ranks 5th most popular language in TIOBE index.

Python’s official website also flooded with success stories of Python across industries and projects. And if we look around Job portals, there is a high demand for skilled Python Programmers. These are the facts that an IT company involves in technology innovation, and application development can’t deny. There is something or many things about Python which fosters its growth and popularity across the industry.

Even tech giant Google is extensively using Python in most of its enterprise level software solutions such as YouTube, Google Sites, Google Adwords, Google Code, etc. Python has become general-purpose programming language for many web development projects. Earlier, it is the Java which is known for its legacy in application development since computing begins.

However, Python is older than Java, and now after around 25 years, it has gained a quick surge in app development ecosystem to cover up the possible bottlenecks. Python and Java, both the languages are interesting in their similarities and differences.

The biggest similarity is their “everything is an object” design and their reputation for excellent cross-platform support, as well as things like immutable strings and deep, relatively standard libraries.

However, both the programming language also have significant differences too. Let’s dive slightly deeper and explore some of the finer technical differences between both to know why Python is leading the development and how Java can’t accomplish the growing development demands.

Dynamic vs Static Typing

One of the crucial thing that differentiates Python from Java is the way that each language handles variables. In Java, a developer is forced to define the type of a variable when you first declare it and later not enable you to change the type. This is called static typing. While in Python, a developer uses dynamic typing and can change the type of a variable, by replacing an integer with a string, for example.

Novice programmer easily gets a grip over dynamic typing, as it allows them to use variables as they want to without worrying too much about their types. Though developers also argued about static typing as it has low chances of undetected errors plaguing your program. When variables do not need to be explicitly declared before you use them, it is easy to misspell a variable name and accidentally create a whole new variable.

Braces vs Indentation

Many developers do not have convenience with Python as it uses indentation to separate code into blocks. Along with other languages, Java uses curly braces to define the beginning and end of each function and class definition. However, indentation forces developers to set their program in a way that is easy to read, and there is no chance of errors resulting from a missing brace.

Speed vs Portability

Java allows platform-independent application development. Any computer or mobile device that supports Java Virtual Machine can run a Java application. On the other hand, Python programs need a compiler which can turn Python code into code that particular operating system can understand. However, most devices already have the Java virtual machine installed, all thanks to the Java’s popularity for web applications and simple desktop programs. This advantage gives java programmers confidence that their application will be usable by almost all users. While the disadvantage of running inside a virtual machine is that Java programs run more slowly than Python programs.

Data Science And Machine Learning

Data science and machine learning is yet another niche where Python is picking up steam fast. For machine learning, use of dynamically-typed language is best. The data we see is random and unstructured. To manipulate such data, Python is the best choice as this programming language can take any values of any type in its variables. Additionally, Python’s syntax is simple and skilled programmers in Java, Matlab, Visual Basic or C/C++ can easily get familiar with it. Python also brings a plethora of libraries to build and implement machine learning algorithms (e.g. PyBrain, OpenCV, SimpleCV, Pylearn2, scikit-learn, etc). This is the reason ML and AI are possible in Python. Though you can go ahead with javascript only to get fully retarded. Python is the programming language that is targeted for the future requirements and its high time to opt for offshore Python development.

Internet Of Things (IoT)

Python is a go-to language for Raspberry PI and other microprocessors. With Python and Raspberry PI you can build IoT and connected tech solutions and products like robots, home automation, smart agriculture and more.

Worth A Look For Java Developers

Java emerged as a big step forward in simplicity compared to C++, and that’s the reason developers fell in love with this programming language. Python is an even bigger step in the same direction, toward a simpler, more human-friendly tool for expressing our ideas in a form that machines can turn into reality. Hence we can say Java developers should give Python a look. Python is a great scripting language for automating boring and repetitive tasks, it’s a great embedded language for Java applications, and it’s a great alternative to Java in many situations. Why wouldn’t industry accept this amazing programming language?

About the author

Anas Asif Moin

Anas Asif Moin is working as a Technical Lead In Python team. He is a proficient Technical Lead with 5+ years experience in Python. He has been sharing his expertise with Ongraph Technologies from last 2.5 years. His job role entails handling client requirements, client communication and ensuring timely delivery of projects. He keeps himself updated with the latest in the field and is able to provide services to clients based on updated technologies. Through sustained and dedicated efforts, he has attained expertise in his field. He is proficient in creating content based on his experience in the field.